Loaded Stretching

I just bought this DVD yesterday at the RKC course and it's great. Pavel first introduced me to loaded stretching at a seminar in 2003 and ever since I've been hoping that he would include it in a book or video. Well, the wait's over. Worth every penny.

This is definitely different that any other type of stretching I've done. The application is everything. I followed the protocol on the single hip stretch and was able to perform a solid pistol on the leg that normally gives me trouble. I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone that wants an instant increase in strength.

I had read reviews of Pavel's stretching seminars and have RIS, FR, SJ, F&L, and Resilience, so I was curious what would be new: 20 minutes later, I met muscles I never knew existed before.

Each of the exercises is explained succinctly, but with attention to the small details that make huge differences in the effects I felt. For instance, in doing the quad bridge stretch, I was not surprised that, as Pavel instructed, turning the legs in one direction would produce one effect, whereas turning them a different direction worked a different set of muscles. What did surprise me was how great an effect those small details could have.

If you judge fighters pound for pound, then minute by minute, Loaded Stretching is one of the most cost-effective products Pavel has produced.

Ken Harper, rkc
Portland, OR

With Loaded Stretching Pavel holds your attention with a very clear , concise and to the point teaching application.
A well structured program that has you receiving solutions before you finish a question.
As for applying the exercises - they DO load the muscles up like tightly wound springs and felt instant results with such controlled, powerful release unleashed on my workout.
A high quality look complements such a fine work of teaching.

I rate this a 9 out of 10 because as a Powerlifter I liked the Strength Stretching DVD slightly better. Still, the high end concept of "controlled strain", when applied to various movements, have demonstrated ability to improve sport performance in the short and long run and can be used by everyone. The loaded hip stretch using a box, the loaded russian twist, the loaded RKC clean stretch, and the KB loaded tricep stretch are very powerfull tools that I have put in my bag of tricks. The loaded RKC clean stretch has been a real blessing to my football and powerlifting ravaged shoulders.There is a lot more here too for every athlete. The production is well done. John does need a tan, though. Recommended.

The dvd presents thought provoking material concerning preloading muscles prior to performance of a lift. I immediately began to practise a few of the stretches prior to my squats, deadlifts and overhead presses with spectacular results. The performance of each lift was enhanced significantly along with an increase of control. I wish Pavel was in our country years ago to re-introduce strength training to america,

I came across this dvd a couple years ago on a movie-rental-by-mail website. Always intrigued by new ideas I rented it and am glad to say that other then Pumping Iron, it was probably the most instrumental in shaping my thinking towards strength training and recovery. Back then I didn?t know much about kettlebells, dragon door or even Pavel, but Loaded Stretching opened my eyes to a new world of thought when it comes to elite training. A definite plus for anyone, athlete or not, with the drive to build a better you.

Bought this DVD a couple of weeks ago.Very different and surprising series of techniques. Definitely advanced-- I was able to pop into full extension right away on most of the stretches (I'm a pretty advanced rock climber), but I am still working on the one for the quads (very challenging and kind of humiliating). The Skin the Cat technique isn't easy either at first either. You can really feel the extra "space" and fluidity/connectivity in the muscles, neural pathways, and joints that these stretches create; I think that is where the extra power (which is real) comes from I think... has definitely allowed me to break through several strength plateaus already. I'm eager to see what the longer term results are going to be. If you really load up the kettlebell weight (with caution) on the Russian Twist, some amazing things are going to start happening to your spine, lower back and hips... If you are already pretty flexible, you can do that stretch w/o the hold down from a partner on the knees (more practical and leads to greater dynamism IMHO)...

Loaded stretching has certainly improved my strength. The first day I incorporated these techniques I saw optimization in my exercises. Progressively(like all training should be) I have seen expedited advancements in my strength, control, and flexibility.

I implemented one or two stretches before kicking and punching activity.

I did a round house kick routine for one set without doing this stretch.
Before the second set, I used one of the stretching work, but revised it a little to fit in an environment without necessary equipment.
First shot of second set round house kick, it went hard and the striking pad smached into my partner's face.